Hey friends! Let’s just dispense with the usual apologies about how long it’s been since I’ve written and get right into the fun stuff…
I’ve got a new book out! It’s called MOUNTAIN, and it’s published by DK/Penguin.
It’s big — 160 pages, 9.5 x 0.76 x 11.31 inches! It’s beautifully illustrated by Sandra Neuditschko! And it’ll teach you about everything from volcanoes and tectonic plates to pikas and flamingos!
I learned so, so much while writing it, and I hope you and your kiddos will, too!
Where I’ve Been
Grinding. Hustling. Throwing seven different kinds of smoke.
You know me as your friendly neighborhood weird animal writer, but in normal life, I’m a dad to three, husband to one, and soccer coach to 24. I’m also teaching myself how to play guitar, trying to stay in shape, and failing to source more of my own food. (Sourdough? Check. Herbs? Sorta check. Venison? TBD.)
I’m also writing a book about animals, for adults, for National Geographic Books, which I have so many exciting updates that I CANNOT WAIT TO SHARE WITH YOU, but we’re in the final stages before it goes to print in 2025 and hits bookshelves in 2026… and mum’s the word until my publisher says so.
And yes, I remain a full-time freelance science writer. Which means I’m churning out that content on the weekly — and that’s also why I haven’t made much time for this substack. I’m going to work on that, by the way. (Yeah, yeah.)
If you’re interested, here’s a smattering of recent pieces from the past few weeks:
Spotted lanternflies for National Geographic News
Giant ancient millipedes for Science News Magazine
Joro spiders for National Geographic News
Giant panda stem cells for Science News Magazine
Moo Deng the pygmy hippo for National Geographic News
Porbeagle shark murder mystery for Science News Magazine
Mosquitoes for National Geographic News
Glowing bat toes for Science News Magazine
Endangered salamanders for National Geographic News
Humpback whales for National Geographic News
Komodo dragon teeth for Science
That oughta keep you busy until I can write again.
